USA - Marijuana laws in Oklahoma not likely to change

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Associated Press - January 11, 2009 1:15 PM ET

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Those on both sides of the issue say that despite a growing tolerance for marijuana use in other states, Oklahoma laws concerning the drug likely won't change soon.


Massachusetts recently decriminalized the possession of small amounts of marijuana, joining 11 other states in doing so.


Allen St. Pierre, the executive director of the Washington-based National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, says that is a sign of a, quote, "generational cusp of change.
"

He acknowledges that such a change is not, however, coming to Oklahoma in the near future. Oklahoma law stipulates that marijuana possession is a misdemeanor for the first offense, with a punishment of up to a year in jail.


Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs spokesman Mark Woodward says it's, quote, "absolutely frightening" that some people are becoming more tolerant of marijuana.

Woodw
ard says he's seen more lives ruined by marijuana than any other drug.


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